Bless the Beasts and the Children chapters 10-20

What event caused the characters to halt in consternation?

The sound of their boots scuffing, magnified.

What did the characters realize when they lost communication?

They felt orphaned, as every radio station had gone off the air.

What time did Cotton check when they were on their journey?

3:02 a.m.

How did the characters feel as they climbed to a higher elevation?

They felt skinny, younger, and more vulnerable.

What natural phenomenon guided the characters on their journey?

The moon.

What did the characters discover about the weather at their elevation?

They realized that weather seemed old and weak at that altitude.

What did Cotton hold the group at before they crossed into the killing ground?

The gate.

What happened to Goodenow when he fell on the killing ground?

He began to retch and was paralyzed by dry heaves.

What was Cotton's original order regarding communication?

No calls or letters home.

What did Goodenow threaten to do after being caught on the phone?

He threatened to hang himself.

What did the group do to comfort Goodenow during his distress?

They knelt around him and touched him to provide support.

What did the characters compare their situation to while helping Goodenow?

They compared it to children making mud pies.

What was the setting when the characters arrived at the buffalo preserve?

An open ground, barren except for dark spillings.

What did the characters see bobbing down the lane towards the pond?

Three toy animals.

What was the reaction of the crowd when the woman fired at the bull?

A long sigh of pleasure and applause.

What happened to the bull after it was shot?

It did not go down immediately and stood beautifully before collapsing.

What did the bull's death symbolize for the characters watching?

A moment of visceral discovery and pleasure.

What did the characters feel about the bull's beauty before it was shot?

They admired it as if it were made of marble.

What did the characters do after the bull was shot?

They expressed a tremulous amen of pleasure.

What did the characters have to hand over before crossing the gate?

Their rifle and pillow.

How did the characters feel about their journey after losing communication?

They felt a sense of foreboding and vulnerability.

What did Cotton remind Goodenow of during his emotional breakdown?

His original orders of no communication with home.

What did the characters do to help Goodenow when he was retching?

They knelt around him and tried to support him physically.

What was the atmosphere like as they approached the buffalo preserve?

It was vivid and crystalline with high, dry air.

What did the characters experience as they crossed the killing ground?

They felt the earth was treacherous and slippery.

What did Goodenow's emotional state reveal about his character?

He was sensitive and easily overwhelmed by distress.

What did the characters do when they reached the closed gate?

They stopped and prepared to enter the buffalo preserve.

What profession did the red man in his sixties hold?

He was a physician.

What happened to the character named Archi Mab?

She evacuated her bowels after being shot.

What was the setting of the bar mitzvah ceremony?

The ceremony took place in a synagogue with six hundred attendees.

What did Sammy read from during his bar mitzvah?

He read from the Torah and Haftarah.

How did Sammy feel during his speech at the bar mitzvah?

He could remember nothing and felt overwhelmed.

What was the significance of the buffalo hunting event described?

It highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of hunting on Americans.

What did the hunters do with the buffalo carcasses after the hunt?

They were hoisted into a pickup and taken to a skinning shed.

What does the text suggest about the American relationship with buffalo?

It reflects a deep-seated guilt and acknowledgment of violence against nature.

How were the buffalo described in their final moments?

They died in a state of exhaustion and confusion, not in dignity.

What did the narrator imply about the American soul?

It is intertwined with violence and the historical slaughter of buffalo.

What did the boys, Stephen and Billy Lally, receive for Christmas?

They received identical toys and gifts.

What was the emotional dynamic between Stephen and Billy Lally?

They competed for their parents' affection.

What did the parents do during the buffalo hunt?

They left the boys with staff while they went on vacation.

What was the boys' reaction to the buffalo hunt?

They were excited and wanted to see the buffalo being killed.

What does the phrase 'we are born with buffalo blood upon our hands' suggest?

It implies an inherited guilt for the violence against buffalo.

What was the atmosphere like during the bar mitzvah ceremony?

It was formal, with many important guests present.

What did Sammy's father look like during the speech?

His father looked livid.

What did the text imply about the nature of the buffalo hunt?

It was not referred to as a 'hunt' but rather a systematic slaughter.

How did the buffalo hunters prepare for the event?

They were positioned and waited for their turn to shoot.

What was the emotional impact of the buffalo's death on the narrator?

It stirred feelings of profound lust, hatred, and guilt.

What was the significance of the phrase 'the slaughter of the buffalo is part of something profound'?

It suggests that the act of killing buffalo is tied to deeper cultural and historical issues.

What did the boys think about the buffalo hunt?

They thought it was an exciting adventure.

What did the text suggest about the treatment of buffalo during the hunt?

They were treated inhumanely, similar to cattle.

What was the outcome for the buffalo after the hunt?

They were killed and processed for their hides and meat.

What does the phrase 'the American soul itself was involved' imply?

It suggests a collective responsibility and connection to the violence against buffalo.

What was the boys' experience during the journey to the buffalo hunt?

They were left with staff while their parents went on vacation.

What was the emotional state of the boys during the buffalo hunt?

They were eager and excited to witness the event.

What is the setting of the story?

The story takes place at Canyon Boys Camp, where boys are involved in outdoor activities.

Who is Lawrence Teft, III?

He is a character known for his loud tooth-grinding and a history of rebellious behavior.

What incident did Lawrence Teft, III, experience at age twelve?

He stole his mother's purse despite having a liberal allowance.

What serious crime did Lawrence commit at age thirteen?

He hotwired and stole a neighbor's car, leading to multiple charges including grand theft auto.

How did Lawrence's father handle his legal troubles?

His father, a general partner in an investment house, managed to keep the incident out of the newspapers and juvenile courts.

What activity do the boys engage in after unloading the truck?

They go directly to the corral to care for their horses.

What does Cotton say about the boys' behavior?

He notes that they seem unable to abide the company of humans and prefer to keep to themselves.

What do the boys do when they reach the pens?

They investigate the pens which are designed to confine animals, noting their height and construction.

What is the boys' plan regarding the animals in the pens?

They plan to find a way to open the gate and release the animals.

What does Cotton suggest they do to find out more about the pens?

He suggests that one of them should climb the catwalk to see how to open the gates.

How do the boys react to the idea of climbing the catwalk?

They panic and express fear about falling off.

What does Lally 2 do that surprises the others?

He volunteers to walk the plank to distract the animals.

What is the significance of the coyotes howling in the story?

It adds to the atmosphere and reflects the wildness of the setting.

What does the squeeze chute do?

It traps animals and holds them immobile for veterinary care.

What is the boys' emotional state as they engage in their activities?

They feel a mix of excitement and fear, often feeling like strangers to each other.

What does the phrase 'they wallowed' suggest about the boys?

It indicates that they are overwhelmed or exhausted by their experiences.

What does the camp's location near Phoenix imply about the climate?

It suggests a hot climate, requiring the camp to provide relief for the animals.

What does Cotton's interaction with the mare Sheba reveal?

It shows his gentle nature and ability to connect with animals.

What theme is explored through the boys' interactions with the animals?

The theme of empathy and the relationship between humans and animals.

How do the boys' actions reflect their inner struggles?

Their rebellious and risky behaviors mirror their search for identity and belonging.

What does the story suggest about childhood and innocence?

It highlights the loss of innocence and the complexities of growing up.

How does the author use dialogue to develop characters?

The dialogue reveals their personalities, fears, and relationships with each other.

What role does nature play in the story?

Nature serves as a backdrop that influences the boys' experiences and emotions.

What does the camp's environment symbolize?

It symbolizes both freedom and confinement, reflecting the boys' struggles.

What is the significance of the boys keeping to themselves?

It indicates their isolation and the challenges they face in connecting with others.

How does the author convey tension among the boys?

Through their interactions and the decisions they make regarding the animals.

What is the purpose of the squeeze pen in buffalo management?

To manage the herd during roundups and vaccinations.

How do handlers manage the buffalo during vaccinations?

They cut individuals into manageable bunches and drive them into a squeeze pen.

What is a significant feature of the squeeze pen's design?

It has catwalks on top of the inner barriers to keep handlers safe.

What happens when the herd senses the presence of humans?

The buffalo become agitated and may snort and stamp in response.

What is the size and weight range of adult buffalo?

Buffalo can stand six feet at the shoulders, weigh between 2,000 to 2,600 pounds.

How do buffalo appear physically?

They have mighty forequarters, heads, and humps tapering to slender hindquarters with tufted hair.

What is the significance of the herd's behavior when they detect danger?

They form a circular guard around cows and calves to protect them.

What strategy does Cotton use to manage the buffalo herd?

He plans to open gates and create a stampede to guide the herd out safely.

What psychological state do the boys experience while managing the buffalo?

They feel petrified and anxious about the potential danger.

What is the outcome of Cotton's plan to manage the buffalo?

The buffalo charge and create chaos, leading to a frantic situation.

What does Cotton do when he sees the herd acting aggressively?

He crouches to jump and prepares to secure the gate.

What happens when the buffalo charge the wall?

The wall is nearly torn down, causing panic among the handlers.

How do the boys react after the buffalo charge?

They embrace the fence and express relief that they survived the encounter.

What do the boys do to support each other during the stressful situation?

They form a magic ring, holding hands and closing their eyes for comfort.

What is the emotional state of the boys after the buffalo incident?

They feel weak with relief and express doubts about their ability to manage the situation.

What does the term 'Bedwetters' refer to in the context of the story?

It is a nickname for the group of boys managing the buffalo.

What is a notable physical characteristic of buffalo horns?

The horns are curved and carved, glinting even in low light.

What does Cotton find on his nose during the chaos?

He finds dried blood, indicating the intensity of the situation.

What does Cotton instruct his team to do when managing the buffalo?

He tells them to open gates and create a distraction to guide the herd.

What does the phrase 'they were loco' imply about the buffalo?

It suggests that the buffalo are unpredictable and can behave erratically.